Eagles’ Pederson worried about poor practices

The Philadelphia Eagles' loss to the Seattle Seahawks ended the team's nine-game win streak. Now, the team faces an interesting challenge against the Rams and must show it can avoid a late-season collapse.
Time_Sports

COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Eagles' intent wasn't to use this week in the Los Angeles area as a cure for two bad weeks of practice.

The team had planned months ago to stay on the West Coast for their game against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday after playing in Seattle this past Sunday night. It just made more sense than flying back to Philadelphia, practicing for a few days while getting re-acclimated to the time change, then flying back to the West Coast.

But the week away from home is now seen as a chance to refocus the team after head coach Doug Pederson said the Eagles haven't been practicing well the past few weeks. He said that contributed to their 24-10 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

"We try to keep the week as normal as possible for the guys and for the coaches," Pederson said. "[But] obviously you've got to keep them dialed in because the week is different ... Things aren't quite as simple, let's say, as if we're back in Philadelphia. And then the part of the game, we're facing a playoff-caliber football team this Sunday.

"I've got to bring everybody kind of full circle back to that and focus on that during the week."

In that sense, this week serves as a glorified training camp, where the players and coaches are together for the entire time in the team hotel. The only real sightseeing they'll do is the 20-minute ride from their hotel to the practice field at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, home of the major league baseball team, beginning Wednesday.

There was a little bit of time for sightseeing. On Monday, for example, defensive end Brandon Graham, whose wife and 2-year daughter are with him, went to the Museum of Ice Cream in Los Angeles.

"We just took that day to rest and kind of get our mind to refocus," Graham said. "[Tuesday], we had to lift and walkthrough [the game plan] and now we’re getting ready for the Rams."

A few other players brought their families, too. And there was time late Tuesday afternoon up until curfew Tuesday night to do some sightseeing. After that, it's all business, but in a different type of environment.

"It's cool. It's not bad. It's really the time change," Graham said. "You just get used to it as you stay out here. Right now, I don't think I'm used to it."

That'll change quickly. That's because Pederson said he noticed issues in practice the previous week against the Bears, too. The difference is the Bears are a bad team, and the Eagles still crushed them 31-3 despite losing three fumbles. The Seahawks, at 8-4, took advantage of the Eagles' mistakes — a fumble by quarterback Carson Wentz, costly penalties, missed assignments.

The Rams (9-3), behind second-year quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley, have the ability to take advantage, too.

"I feel strongly about you win games during the week, and sometimes things come up, and as a coach, you're always maybe a little more nervous than you should be by the way we practice," Pederson said. "I just think that probably, [before the last few weeks], you didn't see the penalties. You didn't see the turnovers. You didn't see some of the negative things that have been going on.

"And to me, that's a direct correlation to how we practice during the week. So that's what I mean by that. And we've got to get that erased this week."

Pederson is hoping that being together all week will help, and he said the setting is perfect for team bonding.

"We have a great set up here in the hotel," Pederson said. "Coaches have offices and workspace to get the work done. Players have got everything they need right here from treatment, rehab, doctors, medical facilities, all of that.

"When we set this trip, there was an advance team that put all this together for us. They have done a great job and we’re just looking forward to the week."

Added defensive end Chris Long: "We’ll definitely enjoy being on the road together, I know that. It’s a group that enjoys each other’s company, and we're playing a couple of good football teams."

The potential payoff is that the Eagles will clinch the NFC East with a win or a Dallas Cowboys loss. The Cowboys play at the Giants, who are 2-10, but have a new head coach in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo after Ben McAdoo was fired Monday.

The Eagles are also playing for the top seed in the NFC heading into the playoffs, which would guarantee the home field until the Super Bowl. The Eagles (10-2) are tied with the Minnesota Vikings for the best record in the NFC, but the Vikings have the tiebreaker advantage.

A loss to the Rams would knock the Eagles into third place in the NFC. That would mean a first-round home game rather than a bye.

So there's a lot at stake. But center Jason Kelce said the mistakes he has seen the past few weeks are correctable, and that they'll have the chance to focus on that being away from home.

"It’s definitely better when it’s a self-inflicted thing that you can correct," Kelce said. "I think it’s encouraging that as long as we get that fixed, we can beat a team like [the Seahawks and Rams], and we should beat a team like that."

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Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. Its’ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman

Barnegat Lighthouse Park was created in 1957. ItsÕ main attraction is the lighthouse, which you can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. Besides the lighthouse people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish. Peter Ackerman